If you want to see your glucose on a Garmin watch or Garmin cycling computer, one of the most reliable methods is to route your data through Gluroo and then connect your Garmin to Gluroo’s Nightscout-compatible endpoint.
This guide covers the setup shown in the Enhance-d Club’s T1D Tech Talk and is designed primarily for Dexcom and Libre users using supported sharing and cloud connections through Gluroo.
Original Video
IMPORTANT WARNING
This setup is for convenience and visibility only.
Do not make treatment or dosing decisions from your Garmin alone.
If a reading looks delayed, unexpected, or wrong, always check the source app on your phone first.
Pre-requisites
This method works on iOS and Android, but it does require a mobile data connection.
You will need these apps installed on your phone:
Gluroo
https://gluroo.com/Garmin Connect
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/125677Garmin Connect IQ
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/616398
How the data flows
Dexcom / Libre / other CGM source
Gluroo app
Gluroo servers
Garmin Connect IQ app
Garmin device
Before you start
Before continuing, make sure:
Your Garmin is already connected to the Garmin Connect app
Your Garmin is already connected to the Garmin Connect IQ app
Mobile data is enabled on your phone
Step 1 - Connect your CGM to Gluroo
In the Gluroo app:
Open the menu
Select Settings
Select CGM
Choose your CGM source, such as Dexcom or Libre
Helpful Gluroo guides
Libre Help Guide
https://gluroo.com/support/libre-cgm-troubleshooting/Dexcom Help Guide
https://gluroo.com/support/dexcom-cgm-troubleshooting/
From there
Sign in with the relevant account details
Wait until glucose readings start appearing in Gluroo
Once readings are visible in Gluroo, you are ready to move on
Step 2 - Enable Gluroo Global Connect Nightscout
In Gluroo:
Open the menu
Select Settings
Select Gluroo Global Connect Nightscout
Enable it
Then note the following two values:
Nightscout URL
Token / API secret
These are the two pieces of information Garmin will use to read your glucose data.
Step 3 - Install a Garmin watch face
Open the Garmin Connect IQ app and search for:
xDrip+/Spike/Nightscout Watch
Or use this link:
https://apps.garmin.com/apps/8fab3746-f56f-4b41-b3c7-5f4aaeaed6c9
Look for the versions by andreas-may and install the watch face to your Garmin device.
Step 4 - Configure the watch face
Once the watch face is installed, open its settings in the Garmin Connect IQ app.
Set the data source to:
Nightscout URL (secured with token)
Then enter the two values from Gluroo.
Nightscout URL
When copying the Gluroo Nightscout URL into this watch face, do not paste the full URL exactly as shown.
Instead, use only the hostname.
Example
If Gluroo gives you:
Enter:
123abc.ns.gluroo.com
So remove:
https:// from the start
the trailing / at the end
Token
Paste the token / API secret from Gluroo into the token field.
Optional settings
You can then customise things like:
mmol/L vs mg/dL
high and low thresholds
colours
graph and layout preferences
Then save the settings.
Step 5 - Wait for the first sync
The first sync can take a few minutes.
Once it connects, you should start to see:
your current glucose
time since last update
trend or graph, depending on the watch face you chose
If it does not appear immediately:
give it a little time
make sure your watch has synced with Garmin Connect IQ
try restarting both your phone and your watch
double-check that the Nightscout hostname and token were entered correctly
Step 6 - Add glucose to activity screens
If you also want to see glucose during an activity such as running, cycling, walking, or hiking, you will need a Garmin Connect IQ data field as well.
Open the Garmin Connect IQ app and search for:
xDrip+/Spike/Nightscout Datafield
Or use this link:
https://apps.garmin.com/apps/5a3e2cda-12f0-4afd-88ed-000e67a68d84
Again, use the versions by andreas-may and install the data field.
Step 7 - Configure the activity data field
Open the data field settings in the Garmin Connect IQ app.
Set the data source to:
Nightscout URL (secured with token)
Then enter the two values from Gluroo.
Nightscout URL
Again, do not paste the full URL exactly as shown. Use only the hostname.
Example
If Gluroo gives you:
Enter:
123abc.ns.gluroo.com
So remove:
https:// from the start
the trailing / at the end
Token
Paste the token / API secret from Gluroo into the token field.
Then save the settings.
Step 8 - Add the data field to a sport profile
Now open the Garmin Connect app - not the Garmin Connect IQ app.
Go to:
Select your device in the top right
Select your device
Select Activities & Apps
Choose the sport you want, for example Run, Cycle, Walk, or Hike
Select Data Screens
To create a custom screen
Create a custom screen
Choose the number of fields you want
Select Connect IQ Fields
Choose your newly installed glucose data field
To edit an existing screen
Select one of your existing screens
Choose the number of fields you want, or keep it the same
Select the field you want to edit
Select Connect IQ Fields
Choose your newly installed glucose data field
Then go back and save the screen.
You should now be able to start that activity and scroll to a page showing your glucose during exercise.
Important things to know
Mobile data is required
This method needs a data connection because the readings are passed through Gluroo’s servers before Garmin retrieves them.
You need your phone with you
Your phone is an important part of the chain, so if you leave it behind or lose connection, readings will stop updating.
The first sync can be slow
Initial setup may take a few minutes. Once working, updates are usually much more reliable.
You may need to repeat the activity setup for each sport
Garmin data screens are usually configured per activity profile, so you may need to add the glucose field separately for Run, Cycle, Walk, Indoor Bike, and other activity types.
Troubleshooting
I cannot see glucose in Gluroo
Start here first. If Gluroo is not receiving readings, Garmin will not be able to show them.
Check:
your CGM login details
sharing / follower access, if relevant
that your CGM data is appearing in Gluroo before moving on
The watch face shows nothing after setup
Check that:
mobile data is on
the watch is synced with Garmin Connect IQ
the Gluroo URL was entered in the correct format
the token was copied correctly
you waited a few minutes after saving
you restarted both phone and watch
My URL does not work
For the andreas-may watch face and data field used in this guide, you should enter only the host portion of the URL, not the full https:// address.
It works on the watch face but not during activities
That usually means the activity data field has not been installed or added to that specific sport profile yet.
Updates seem delayed
Because this is a cloud-based route, there can be delays if:
mobile signal is poor
the phone loses connection
the upstream source is delayed
Always check the source app if something looks stale.
Notes on other systems
This guide is mainly for the Dexcom and Libre route shown in the video.
Other sources may work, but with extra setup or reduced reliability:
CamAPS / Gluco may work in some cases, but delays can make it less suitable for live exercise use
Medtronic on Android may be possible through xDrip and a different source setting in the watch face and data field settings
Medtronic on iPhone was not identified as having a reliable method in the session yet
Summary
For most people, the quickest route is:
Connect Dexcom or Libre to Gluroo
Enable Gluroo Global Connect Nightscout
Copy the Nightscout hostname and token
Install an andreas-may Garmin watch face in Garmin Connect IQ
Set it to Nightscout URL (secured with token)
Install the matching Garmin data field if you want glucose during activities
Add that data field to each sport profile you use
Once set up, this gives you a reliable way to view glucose on your Garmin day to day and during exercise.